The response to an academic investigation into the genetic history of people on Bodmin Moor – publicised in the Cornish Times – has been so good that further study has been given the green light.

Jodie Lampert, from the University of Leicester, is undertaking a PhD project focused on the history and genetics of the moor.

She asked men with surnames that in many cases stretch back to the 1500s and beyond to take part, and enough have responded for her to organise a field trip to Bodmin Moor at the end of the month.

The surnames include such familiar Cornish names as Barnecut, Coad, Davy, Garland, Ham, Keast, Moyse, Northey, Rundle, Strike, Tamblin and Venning. A full list is available at ww2.le.ac.uk

She plans to base herself near Blisland and St Breward between September 26 and 29, and is now organising events at which people can give saliva samples for DNA testing. She will also give a presentation about the project.

Jodie hopes her study will answer questions such as: ‘How did the moor affect contact between the surrounding communities, and between these communities and other parts of Cornwall? To what extent did Bodmin Moor prevent or foster communication between the people in the surrounding areas?’

She said: ‘I will continue to need more local male volunteers (with the specific surnames) for at least the next few months, and I can send the saliva kit through the post.’

People taking part need to have grandparents born in or near Advent, Altarnun, Blisland, Cardinham, Davidstow, Linkinhorne, North Hill, St Breward, St Cleer, St Clether, St Neot or Warleggan.

Anybody interested in taking part should contact [email protected]